The curator of Longwood and his honor of serving Napoleon.

[NAPOLEON I] – LONGWOOD – Island of Saint Helena.

Jean-Claude MARESCHAL

Curator of the residence and tomb of Emperor Napoleon I in St. Helena.

Autographed letter signed to Mr. Félix.

Three octavo pages. Collector's stamp on the 3rd leaf.

Longwood. January 1 ^, 1869

Mareschal celebrates with his first year in charge of the Longwood estate.

“My dear Monsieur Félix, At this time of year, and especially when one is far away, one's thoughts are filled with the memory of friends and benefactors. It is with these sentiments in mind that my little family and I send our warmest wishes for your happiness, that of Madame Félix, and that of your charming young lady. (…) I have always been hesitant, for fear of indiscretion, because your high office in the service of my august sovereign occupies all your time. I am too indebted to you to be able to refrain from hearing from you occasionally. (…) On St. Helena, I received a warm welcome from all the officials, both civilian and military , and good and frank relations ensued. Admiral Elliott, the Governor, is charming; he is almost French and hopes to spend his old age in our homeland; The well-composed company received by him is entirely filled with admiration for the grandeur and power of our Emperor; generally, the English are not mistaken about this (…) Up to now, we have enjoyed good health. I serve under the orders of capable officers attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. My service pleases me immensely. I have the honor of being, indirectly, of the household of my august sovereign, and I am therefore very happy and very proud . My predecessor [Gauthier de Rougemont] was not much of an architect , and so he left me with a great deal of work and repairs to do; these projects are nearing completion. I am busy with planting, I am creating a nursery , and soon, when my department is informed, I will undertake some drawings which I would be very happy to share with you…